---POV: Cyan---

Swimming in the cool and refreshing water of the sea, I speedily close in on the territory belonging to the Hydra-Clan, the clan that over 15 years ago once banished me.

Actually, I was first very angry, I wanted revenge for what I had to go through there, but I no longer think so. I actually first tried to make a contract in order to commence my revenge, yet the result was a lot different to what I actually expected, yet I don’t regret anything. It was already quite a while ago, but I once spoke with my mas... younger Brother Arin about this, and the moment back then remains vivid within my mind even now.

…

…

Sitting within the slightly disorderly room, one of the walls completely plastered with small drawings of Dragons and Foxes, I watch Arin as he is currently sitting at his table, using his hands to directly draw on a piece of paper using wet colors.

I don’t fully understand what he is doing without a brush, or how, but I understand that he enjoys it a lot.

Well, not that it matters to the topic why I am here in the first place. It took me several weeks to decide, cracking up my head hoping to come to a conclusion as I didn’t want to stay silent forever, hoping that I could tell him without being abandoned. I don’t think he would abandon me, but I just can’t bring myself to tell him… I fear the consequences…

However, today suddenly I felt I could do it, don’t ask me why, so currently I am sitting on a chair within the young masters Bedroom, waiting for him to focus on me.

Yet, every second I waited felt like an eternity, with my nervousness growing worse with every moment, my mind reeling as sweat permeated my forehead.

However, just as I was about to take my leave again, Arin suddenly turned towards me.

“Cyan, sorry to keep you waiting, but I was engrossed in my current drawing, so I kind of lost my touch for the passing time, Sorry.” (Arin)

Seeing Arin apologize, I only shook my head, denying his words. Even if they were true, I could not bring myself to tell him that I was about to leave.

“It’s no problem, I have patience. Please don’t worry.” (Cyan)

Saying so with a dry mouth due to me being so unfocused, Arin afterwards only stared at me for a while, before creating a ball of water in front of him, washing his hands from the color before continuing to speak.

“You know Cyan, you don’t have to lie to me. But for now, here have some water, it will help your parched throat.” (Arin)

Saying so while filling one of the wooden cups nearby with water, I first don’t move, realizing that Arin saw through me, yet he didn’t seem to be mad at me. So, while feeling ashamed, I slowly grab the cup of water and lead it to my mouth, drinking it while feeling complicated.

Trying to distract myself from the situation, I became weirdly engrossed in analyzing the remaining water in the cup. But Arin quickly noticed my rather down expression, standing right before me, his head just high enough for him to be slightly beneath eye-level with my sitting self.

He then opened his mouth, talking while even the normally cute green eyes of his looked frightening to me.

“Cyan, what is going on with you, you are completely out of it. Maybe you have a fever? You should call Uncle Black if you have one, I heard that he is the one that sent you around on errands lately, so you should take a break if it is too much, as I would dislike seeing you sick.” (Arin)

With genuine worry for me, he held out his hand and touched my forehead, seemingly wanting to check if I have a fever. His hand is warm and delicate, it was unbelievable that he could actually skillfully utilize a staff as a weapon using them, especially considering his small stature.

Anyway, feeling that I can’t hold back the truth any longer, I grabbed Arins hand and spoke, fearing that I would no longer be able to tell him if I further push the truth away, torturing me for a long time.

So, beginning with my time in the Clan as well as my childhood, I told Arin everything, including my plans for revenge on the Hydra-Clan, as well as the reasons for me to make a contract.

As I finished, I had tears fall from my face, clouding my sight while my heart felt relieved. I told him everything, even if he is going to resent me for it, I finally lifted that weight of my heart.

However, Arin once more just looked at me dumbfounded, asking a question I honestly didn’t expect.

“Oh, so you must have been very hurt, I am sorry to hear that. But Cyan, why would you want revenge? Didn’t them banishing you lead to us, so from my position, I am happy they did, as otherwise, I would have never met you. And if it is your family that you miss, why don’t you visit them, you no longer belong to them, so you should be able to freely visit you parents, right?” (Arin)

Saying so with a brilliant smile, Arin looked directly into my eyes, his whole figure standing there, fragile yet strong, looking like a bashful angel clouded in light. My heart palpitated, my mind shook. My thought until now were always clouded with thoughts of revenge, how did I never think of this…

Coming to the realization and acceptance of the fact that I am allowed to have such a great young mas… younger brother with me, someone who cares for me, something I would probably never have in the clan, I tear up. And looking at Arins smile, I can’t stop myself as my arms shoot out and I hug my younger brother closely, tears streaming down my face.

He in turn only giggled as I cried, happily returning the hug as I let whatever was stuck in my heart flow out, allowing a refreshing feeling to reveal itself deep inside. It took me nearly half an hour until I stopped crying, yet Arin didn’t leave my side even once, patiently waiting for me to calm down. At the end, he even pulled up a napkin from his pocket and gave it to me.

Seeing Arins heartfelt gesture, my heart finally calmed down. I might still need time to fully reorganize my heart and thoughts, but I am sure that I can take that step forward with pride.

Thanking Arin, I stand back up trying to leave, yet before I left, Arin ran to his table before he skipped back with a drawing in his hand, showing it off in front of me.

“It isn’t complete yet, but what do you think of it Cyan?” (Arin)

Looking down at the still incomplete picture, I can see Arin, Sumi, Anna, Alice, Sir Geyser, Saria, Elrion as well as several others we already met here in town, all standing together, with me and Sumi standing right beside Arin, both of us holding one of his hands each, and Sir geyser standing behind him, holding his shoulders. Luna is there as well, coiling around Arin as her head ended up next to Arin’s heart, close to his left sleeve. And above everyone, hidden within a cloud of white, two gold-crimson eyes stared through, appearing so lifelike as though they could stare into your very soul, together with a face resembling a massive fox hidden behind the clouds.

Seeing the picture, I once more hugged my little brother, feeling happy inside, while being unable to express it otherwise…

…

…

Back to reality, I shed a small tear while reminding myself of that scene, continuing my travel forward, already ending up on the border of the territory belonging to the Hydra-Clan.

It has already been more than fifteen years since I was here for the last time, leaving me with a nostalgic feeling. It is actually funny how I don’t even feel an ounce of anger as I arrived here, I actually feel more relaxed than I should.

Anyway, as I intrude into the territory, first there was no reaction, something normal as often human-ships accidentally swim through here, leaving the clan to remain passive as to not startle the humans, especially since they want to remain hidden. Luckily, with me being more underwater than on the surface by now, I checked that there was no one following me, as even if I don’t feel goodwill towards them, I don’t want to doom them due to some stupid reason, especially since it is the home to my remaining family, aside from my new one of course.

So, diving down, my massive body doesn’t even rock in the current, allowing me to perfectly utilize it in order to accelerate further, with the adjustments being made with water-magic.

Then, like a blue streak diving through the water, suddenly a snake like dragon-type appeared in front of me, the face being someone I am way too familiar with, it is one of the faces I wish I could punch someday…

“Halt! You are intruding on the territory of the Hydra-Clan, state your reason for arriving or you will be executed!” (Reginald)

Reginald, named by Ness Oh’Tu, a former guard-captain of the Clan, someone who would gladly risk the smaller group for the good of the bigger one. Also, he was the person who organized for me to be banished without even letting me be able to explain myself. However, how come he can’t recognize me… did I really change that much, or did he just forget me? Well, I never really had a name before Arin gave me one, my parents always calling me just ‘little blue’.

This was also the name most others, especially my already grown up brothers, called me by, but that isn’t important now.

“I am Cyan, companion of the nephew of the Ancient Dragon Aaron Geyser, here to visit my Relatives.” (Cyan)

I actually asked Sir geyser for a way to introduce myself for my return, and this is what he told me to say, allowing me not only to gain his in-name protection, but also more authority when doing my business, allowing me to remain neutral even if I was once banished.

Yet, seeing Reginald’s expression crumble the moment he heard the name of Sir Geyser, he immediately used an ancient magic-tool to inform the higher-ups in a hurry, his expression beginning to sweat even though we were underwater.

Reginald is actually a higher-type Aqua-Wyrm, a so called Amagid, a dragon not much different from the typical Aqua-Wyrm. Yet, instead of only a snake-like body and four claws, he also has three pairs of fin-like wings along his back, allowing him to move extremely fast underwater, mostly feared by humans for being able to wreck even combat-ships with ease. I wonder, did he really turn from an adult dragon to a true adult dragon in the time I was gone?

Anyway, seeing as he went through an evolution, it must mean that his master, Oh’Tu, also became stronger somehow, allowing Reginald to evolve.

Still, seeing the once proud and contempt Reginald panic in front of me due to my ‘authority’, I can’t help but reveal a smile filled with schadenfreude, as it is just too glories. Luckily, he didn’t notice, so I quickly wiped the smile off my face, trying to regain a more business-like expression.

Meanwhile, from a distance, I noticed a variety of Water-dragons approach, all of them of a different kind. There is a high amount of Aqua-Wyrms, yet beneath their masses, I spotted several diamond-turtles, some of which I recognized from my child-hood. There I also spotted a young hydra, following the others, his three heads making wave-like motions as he swam after the others.

Those seem to be the ‘Nauticas’, a soldier-troop made of dragons, just like the Guardians back in the Dragon-Mountains.

All of them seem to have been called here by Reginald’s command, all of them beginning to line-up side by side before me, building up to something like a guarded path for me to step through, which I did with the guidance of Reginald.

I actually wanted to hide away in embarrassment, but thinking of everyone laughing at me if I did, I just bit through it and without flinching made my way through said path.

Actually, while I swam behind Reginald, I noticed some of the other diamond-turtles that were friends with me in the past talking with one another, probably noticing my similarities to the ‘little blue’ they remember.

Anyway, as Reginald didn't seem to have noticed anything, we both pass the lines of soldiers before we both land at the bottom of a crater, the official entrance to the underwater-city of my kin.

Once arriving in front of a thin film of icy-blue light, Reginald waited in attention, not moving from his spot. I realized that he was waiting for something, something that even Reginald would respect, which could only mean one thing...

Just as guessed, shortly after I took a position slightly beside Reginald not to be in the way of the water-shield entrance, multiple heads rose from the magic-barrier, every single one looking ferocious, while also emanating a strong aura of wisdom.

This was the nine-headed ruler of the seas, Ness Oh'Tu, master of the tides, and lord over the water-element. Rising from the barrier covering the undersea city built by the water-dragons of ancient times, a massive Hydra appeared, nine heads proudly standing above everything else, the pride of an ancient Dragon, one who managed to break through the limits of a True-Adult Dragon.

Yet, the moment he saw me, who by now wasn't much smaller than him, actually bigger if we don't count his heads, he was astonished, his eyes wide open...

“Little blue...?” (Oh'Tu)

Hearing my name called, Reginald by the side suddenly had his mouth wide open, his eyes bulging, as he couldn't close them anymore, looking repeatedly between me and Oh'Tu.

Behind us, even when the voice was silent, many heard it...

“It can't be... is he really...” (Dragon 1)

“No, no, no, he was banished, and he was a diamond-turtle, so it is impossible...” (Dragon 2)

Hearing the muttering of the others, the Ancient Dragon Oh'Tu suddenly bellowed, the seas shaking, shutting the other dragons up. Even I was taken aback, but the pressure didn't bother me as much, mostly because I am used to it due to Sir Geyser.

“Silence everyone! I shall ask again, are you really... little Blue?” (Oh'Tu)

Hearing the question of Oh'Tu, I decided to answer honestly, wanting to get over with it.

“I once was, now I go by the name of Cyan, O ruler of seas.” (Cyan)

Saying so with conviction, and a bit of sarcasm, I directly stared into Oh'Tu's face, waiting for a reaction. He on the other hand didn't budge, only increasing his pressure with every passing moment.

Then suddenly, as though hit with something, he smiled, leaving his faces to look peculiar, all of them retreating with the same smile on.

“Seems like you finally learned how to be courages, may I know for whom? Well, that doesn't really matter, and you learned how to stand up against those stronger than you, even if you feel fear. I am satisfied, from now on, I officially welcome you back to the Hydra-Clan, welcome back.” (Oh'Tu)

Smiling just like Sir Geyser whenever he managed to prank Arin, causing the latter to be angry, Oh'Tu watched me with a wide grin.

But, even when seeing that grand smile, I would never return on my word, I promised my little brother that I would be back soon. Also, I could notice a very deep sense of dread and envy coming from his gaze as he watched my massive body covered by the streamlined shell.

“Thanks for the invitation Oh'Tu, but I already found a home, one with which I am more than content with. I only came to pay my respect to my parents, and then return. It was only by coincidence that my masters Uncle had business with the World-Tree, so I am sorry to have to decline your offer.” (Cyan)

Trying to talk as business-like as possible in order for my anger to stay in control in the face of said irresponsible Ancient Dragon, I remain standing, not following the already turned around Oh'Tu.

“Oh, well, that is a shame, but seeing as you are content with your current master, I can't interfere. Anyway, I shall relieve your ban on Hydra-Clan from now on, you are welcome to visit anytime.” (Oh'Tu)

Disgusted at the self-important acting of the Hydra in front of me because I am now a species that is more or less equal with his own, I look back once more before following Oh’Tu. Actually, I wished I had the recording-device Sir Geyser owns, mostly because the faces of Reginald and the other Dragons are unbelievably funny. Still, trying to make fun of the Dragons behind me in my mind, I still desperately try to keep my fear and panic concealed, pressuring it down.

Anyway, Oh’tu actually has a very peculiar character, as someone who respects strength above everything else, and easily gets jealous of the strength of others. Yet unlike many dragons, he not only respects physical strength, but also political power. As a result, he is someone that is hard to befriend, as he looks down on you when you are weaker, and immediately becomes over the top submissive if you are stronger. Even Scyrra Snowfall told me that he was like that since long ago.

However, if there is something he is good at, then it is the fact that he knows how to manage a territory and rule people. Of course, as someone who respects strength, people like me normally get banned if we are too weak, but seeing me return stronger is probably something he makes himself believe to be his achievement. Anyway, he knows how to rule over others mostly fairly, aside from his own pride, so he is to the most part accepted by the population. The proof of his abilities being the massive city stretching out before me once I passed the barrier blocking out the outside.

The shield mainly keeps water off, as the whole city in itself is like an oasis in the water, a natural land with a city, land and farms, everything growing in the depths of the sea. This place was originally an ancient city that was ruined, before our ancestors rebuilt it into a town.

Anyway, walking into the old marble-built city, a feeling of nostalgia assaults me, leaving me dazed as I watch the places I used to play at. Around here, many young dragons play around, sometimes swimming in the floating orbs of water made by a magical-tool, before trying to use water-magic to float from one orb to another. This is actually quite the playful way to teach children early how to use their magic.

Yet, seeing one of the Aqua-Wyrm children fall from one of the highest orbs of water, nearly twelve meters above ground, I immediately extend my long tail with the fin-like structure I normally hide beneath my shell, catching him before he crashes into the ground. The child is confused at first, but still thanks me before jumping back into one of the lower orbs, climbing his way back up through the water. Yet, hearing as I warn him to be more careful, he only continues swimming, nodding towards me. I then move my meters tall body again and follow behind Oh’Tu who was patiently waiting.

Meanwhile, under the ground, covered by a crystal-like panel made of a special kind of glass, I watch as pure streams of water flow beneath my feet, sometimes even spotting fish that swim from one end of the barrier to the other using those channels.

However, as I followed Oh'Tu when he walked through the city, approaching the place I used to live at, I realize that my body might be too large to fit further through the smaller streets, so I reduced myself back into my human-like form, surrounded by a strong silver light.

Oh'Tu was actually surprised, suddenly seeing me turn into a human-like form, while clicking his tongue in annoyance. Unlike many others, Hydra can only make themselves smaller, but not change into a more Human-form like most other dragons, leaving them to be jealous of the other species.

Anyway, as we eventually reach a house that is only sparingly decorated, I couldn't help but feel emotional. This was the house I spent my childhood in when I was still just a tiny turtle. The house of course is huge for human standards, but just right when it comes to diamond-turtles. So, walking towards the massive door, I push it open, hoping to greet my parents again.

And, spotting two adult turtles, a man and a woman, both lying next to each other, their eyes closed as they slept, I couldn’t help but exclaim when I spotted their familiar figures.

“Mom! Dad! I'm home!” (Cyan)

Saying the typical sentence I used to say whenever I returned home, I could spot mom and dad wake up rapidly. Mom actually opened her eyes with a flicker, before she stared at me with eyes full of contemplation. Yet, before I could utter another word, a sudden fog-wail emitted from mom as she stood up, her figure visibly shrinking as she assumed human-form like myself.

Then, without any warning, her figure, covered in scales and a simple household-dress, came running towards me, before she embraced me, whimpering and tears escaping her as she held me closely, touching my hair and skin as if to confirm something.

“It… it is really you, lit… little blue, son…” (Mom)

I couldn’t even stop her, as her momentum completely froze me, as meanwhile, even my father changed his form and approached us, looking at me before he swung his arms around me and mother, laughing proudly.

“Hahaha, I told you honey, our Son will be fine and he will return to us.” (Dad)

Speaking with tears in his eyes, father strengthened his grip on me and mom, holding us closely to himself as if we would vanish once he let go.

Under the hugs of my parents I suddenly came to myself, regaining my awareness of where I was. So as I myself noticed the faces of my parents, I returned the hug while crying.

“Yes, yes I have returned… “(Cyan)

Saying no more, I just hugged them, enjoying this short moment of bliss as I returned to the arms of my family… but in within all this, I finally noticed something, the thing I believed I would never understand….

The pain of being alone, the pain that both Arin and Sumi went through... I understand now, at least a little, as well as the hope of finding and meeting ones loved ones again… I understand…

While calming my erratic breathing from all the crying once all three of us finally regained some calm, mother wiped away her tears first.

“Son, it was so long since you were gone, please sit down, the travel must have been hard on you, let me make you something to eat, please rest.” (Mom)

Listening to mom’s caring voice, I follow her advice and take a seat at the dinner-table that hadn’t changed much since the last time I was here, with my father taking a seat opposite of me.

“Son, you truly changed, didn’t you? Your appearance, your power, I don’t know where to begin, but also, thanks for coming back, it means a lot to us…” (Dad)

Dad, still not fully calm, took a seat, trying to ask a question, yet only opening and closing his mouth multiple times, unable to say a word. So, understanding that he is happy, I just answer him without asking.

“I am fine dad, I am doing good up on the surface.” (Cyan)

Listening to my words, Dad just showed a happy and relieved smile, lighting up the mood in the whole room. He wore some simple clothes made from his magic-essence, yet seeing him happy like that, I could swear he seemed like a king that welcomed back his prince, happy yet dignified.

So, feeling myself at home, I relax my muscles, when suddenly mom returned to the table, putting a pot filled with my favorite tea in front of me, filling up my cup as well. Next to it, she also placed down several snacks that were rather hard to get, additionally to a special kind of juice I loved, made in this city, going all out with her welcome.

“Mom, please sit down, this is more than enough, so… thank you.” (Cyan)

Hearing my words, Mom finally regained herself, also sitting down next to me while holding onto my hand, unwilling to let go, while also using a napkin to wipe away her tears.

“I’m sorry, son. But, seeing as you returned, I just…” (Mom)

I didn’t answer, just increased the strength with which I held moms hand, leaving her to look at me and smile.

And so, while drinking and enjoying the atmosphere, time began to pass, before Dad asked the question I probably think was of the most interest to him and mom...

“Son, tell me, after you left… what happened to you? You came home as a changed man, so will you tell me and mom about your travels, we are curious as to what our Son had to go through, so, please share it with us…” (Dad)

Having resolved myself to tell them the full truth, I begin to tell them my story, from the day I was banished from the city as I struggled to survive, until the point where I traveled to the lake near the Abryssal-Canyon, as well as my meeting with my current master and younger brother, Arin.

Mom’s and Dad’s reactions changed with every topic in the story, from feeling shameful for being unable to protect me at the beginning when I left, to the point where they were highly interested in my new younger brother and master Arin, wanting to know more.

In the end, our talk continued throughout the night, with neither of us resting, unable to stop ourselves from exchanging stories of the past, talk about the status of my older brothers, and other stuff, simply being happy to be able to talk to one another, enjoying the presence of my long lost family.

However, when I came to the point of me returning back to Arin's side after the visit, my parents suddenly exclaimed, unwilling to once more see me go…

…

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